What can I do?

I think the majority of Canadians feel an incredible inability to affect change. There is a wealth of issues and subjects for which I just can't understand why things are the way they are. I believe many people feel the same way I do. Perhaps we don't share the same views on the way things should be but I'm pretty sure we share the same sense of impotence when it comes to what we can do to change them. It is difficult though to feel like I'm making a difference - forget difference, making any impact at all.

Case in point, the most recent arts cut by the Federal Government. The Feds have just cut millions of dollars from arts and culture spending and I feel like I can't do anything about it. Even with the looming election this fall they still cut the funding, essentially saying we don't care about the arts and there's nothing you can do about it. And I have to say I feel like they're right, there isn't anything I can do about it. I know there are people out there right now who are saying absolutely there's something that you can do about it, call your Representative, go to a rally and so on. And I will, I have, I do and yet stuff like this still happens.

Honestly, I would be happy with a 50% tax rate, so that schools, health care, social assistance and arts were well supported and covered. I know that makes me a socialist, but I also believe in a market economy. I just want certain, fundamental, things covered. The arts is one of them.

There's an excellent article in the Globe and Mail regarding the recent cuts in arts funding, you should go HERE and give it a read.

Also check out the Department of Culture.

I hate comparing times but I'll throw one out anyway - during World War II it was suggested that Winston Churchill should make cuts the Arts and Culture portfolio and his response was, we have to remember what we're fighting for.